Police tell Palestine demo organisers to move route to avoid synagogues
Decision about 30 November march follows meeting with Board of Deputies, CST and London Jewish Forum
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Pro-Palestine demo organisers have been forced to change the route of their next march in central London after police chiefs recognised concerns raised by communal leaders about interruption to nearby synagogue services on Shabbat.
Jewish News understands that the 30 November demo, which is also calling for “hands off Lebanon” and “don’t attack Iran”, again promoted by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign alongside other anti-Israel groups, has has been moved following representations made by the Community Security Trust, Board of Deputies and the London Jewish Forum, alongside representatives of West End traders.
The police were asked to ensure the procession is now “well clear” of Western Marble Arch Synagogue, along with other nearby shuls while services take place.
The PSC have been told the Marble Arch area should be kept as clear as possible, and the Metropolitan Police officers will impose “proportionate conditions” to support this.
However, the PSC claim it is “vital we continue to take to the streets in huge numbers to demand an end to British complicity in Israel’s genocide and apartheid, including through an end to all arms trade with Israel”.
The Community Security Trust, Board of Deputies and the London Jewish Forum put forward representations to the Metropolitan Police that the 30th November march should not start near the BBC as was originally proposed due to the proximity to local synagogues.
Whilst these representations were successful, on Friday, 15th November, the PSC announced the route would
start on the south side of Park Lane in close proximity to other local Synagogues.
This is the same location that it has started on six other occasions and experience of those occasions it that it is highly likely to cause serious disruption to the local synagogues.
Strong representations have been made multiple times that this starting location is unacceptable as it results in
thousands of participants who are travelling to the march processing close to a synagogue at during the Shabbat services.
With the festive season approaching, West End retailers are also believed to have raised concerns about the economic impact of the pro-Palestine demos in central London.
Meanwhile, Jewish News understands there is frustration among police chiefs and some communal leaders over the proliferation of social media posts, particularly on the X platform, that often tell only “half the story” about the handling of pro-Palestine activity by officers.
While there is an acceptance that not every live situation is handled as best as it could be, there are fears that footage often failing to show the full picture of incidents is being posted to increase tensions rather than improve matters.
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